'In Showing Honor Take the Lead'

Congregation members thrive when the elders set a fine example for them.  (1 Peter 5:2, 3)   Despite their busy schedule, caring elders take the  initiative to approach the young ones, the family heads, the single mothers, the housewives and the elderly, whether such ones are facing problems or not.  The elders listen  to what members of the congregation have to say and commend them for what they are able to do.  An observer elder who makes appreciative comments about what a brother or sister does is imitating Jehovah, who appreciates his earthly creatures.

By imitating Jehovah, the elders set a fine example in applying Paul's admonition:  "In brotherly love have tender affection for one another.  In showing honor to one another take the lead."  (Romans 12:10) This may be harder for elders who live in countries where class consciousness is the norm.  For example, in one Oriental country, there are two words for "brother,"  one honorific and the other ordinary.  Until recently, congregation members addressed elders as those who are older with the honorific term, using  the ordinary term for others.  However, they were encouraged to use the ordinary term at all times because as Jesus told his followers, "all you are brothers."  (Matthew 23:8) Although the distinction may not be this obvious in other countries, we all need to be aware of the human tendency to make class distinctions. -James 2:4.

True, Paul encouraged us to treat certain elders as worthy of "double honor,"  but they are still brothers (1 Timothy 5:17) If we are able to "approach with freeness of speech to the throne of undeserved kindness"   of the Universal Sovereign, should we not be able to approach the elders, who are to imitate Jehovah?  (Hebrews 4:16; Ephesians 5:1)  Overseers may weigh  their own approachability by considering how often others come to them to seek counsel or to make suggestions.  Learn a lesson from the way Jehovah  involves others in his projects.  He dignifies others by delegating responsibilities.  Even if some suggestions offered by another Witness may seem impractical, the elders ought to appreciate the concern shown.  Remember how Jehovah treated Abraham's probing questions and Habakkuk's cry of distress. 

Next time: Conclusion of 'In Showing Honor Take the Lead'

The Watchtower, 2000